Bizarre Easter Crimes Plague Texas

From stealing church meat to giving away weed in Easter eggs, the Lone Star State sees its fair share of holiday hijinks.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and shattered Easter egg shell, the harsh lighting and dramatic shadows conveying a sense of gritty investigation into the darker side of the Easter season.The shattered remains of an Easter egg shell serve as a somber reminder of the holiday's dark underbelly in Texas.Lufkin Today

While Easter is typically a time for family, faith, and festive treats, Texas has seen its fair share of unusual criminal activity surrounding the holiday. From stealing thousands of dollars worth of meat from a Dallas church to hiding marijuana in plastic Easter eggs at local parks, the Lone Star State has experienced a rash of bizarre Easter-related crimes in recent years, including several high-profile shootings.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior, even during traditionally joyous holidays. They also raise questions about public safety, the motivations behind such crimes, and how law enforcement responds to unexpected holiday-themed lawbreaking.

The details

In 2014, two men were caught on security camera stealing $2,000 worth of meat from a Dallas church on Easter Sunday. In 2025, a man named Avante Nicholson in Lufkin hid marijuana inside plastic Easter eggs and distributed them at local parks and a motel. Texas has also seen a troubling number of shootings occur around the Easter holiday, including the 2023 killing of Javoris Potier in Houston and the infamous 1934 murders of two police officers by Bonnie and Clyde. Most recently, in 2024, a woman named Elosia was arrested for shoplifting Easter merchandise from a Walmart in Round Rock.

  • On April 20, 2014, two men stole meat from a Dallas church.
  • In 2025, Avante Nicholson hid marijuana in Easter eggs in Lufkin.
  • On April 9, 2023, Javoris Potier was shot and killed in Houston.
  • In 1934, Bonnie and Clyde murdered two police officers near Dallas on Easter weekend.
  • On April 1, 2024, a woman named Elosia was arrested for shoplifting Easter goods in Round Rock.

The players

Avante Nicholson

A man from Lufkin, Texas who hid marijuana inside plastic Easter eggs and distributed them at local parks and a motel in 2025.

Elosia

A woman arrested in 2024 for shoplifting Easter merchandise from a Walmart in Round Rock, Texas.

Bonnie and Clyde

The infamous outlaw couple who murdered two police officers near Dallas on Easter weekend in 1934.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Easter usually means family time and sweet treats, but sometimes Easter takes a wild turn in Texas, doesn't it?”

— Daniel Paulus, Author

What’s next

Police in Texas continue to monitor for any unusual criminal activity surrounding major holidays, especially Easter, to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents of holiday-themed lawbreaking.

The takeaway

These bizarre Easter crimes in Texas underscore the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior and the need for vigilance from law enforcement, even during traditionally joyous occasions. They also serve as a reminder that the holiday spirit does not always prevail, and that some will go to great lengths to take advantage of the season.